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What To Expect In A Pregnancy Chiropractor Adjustment Appointment

By March 27, 2023June 6th, 2024Uncategorized
What To Expect In A Pregnancy Chiropractor Adjustment Appointment

What To Expect In A Pregnancy Chiropractor Adjustment Appointment

It’s estimated that most women gain between 25 and 35 pounds during a healthy pregnancy. Pregnancy, however, comes with additional weight not limited to that of the new baby growing inside the uterus. For most women, pregnancy can mean hormonal changes that alter their emotional and physical states.

Spinal curvature and gait patterns are among the physical changes during pregnancy. Pregnancy changes a woman’s centre of gravity, affecting their balance and gait. Other changes include muscle separation as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing baby. It’s, therefore, common for women to experience varying levels of back pain during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

As mentioned earlier, spinal curvature and muscle separation are common occurrences during pregnancy. In such cases, chiropractic care may be a suitable option for some pregnancy-related challenges, especially when medical drugs are only recommended as a measure of last resort.

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals specializing in caring for the human neuromusculoskeletal system. They use non-surgical and non-medicinal treatment options, including manual spinal manipulation, adjustment, and joint realignments, to aid the body in healing itself from various conditions, including lower back pain, sprains, and muscular spasms.

Your Chiropractic Visit

Suppose you’ve not been to a pregnancy chiropractor before and are concerned about what it takes to lie face-down while carrying a sizeable belly; worry not. You can look forward to an exciting experience that includes the following:

  • A chiropractic table with mobile sections that can be raised and lowered independently to allow your chiropractor to comfortably move or lift specific parts of your body from the table.
  • A physical assessment to gauge your mobility and determine if there are areas of misalignment. Lying face-down with your head, shoulders, and legs on the adjustable table while your distended belly is bolstered off the table using special maternity pillows or cushions.
  • Develop and discuss your treatment plan, which is informed by your history and physical assessment.

Your sessions will likely focus on your pelvis to ensure alignment and balance. And since you’re pregnant, your chiropractor will avoid some areas they usually manipulate during regular chiropractic visits to avoid causing pain or tension and even triggering labour-like contractions.

It’d be good to note that when seeking chiropractor care adjustments, keep hydrated for better blood flow and lymphatic draining, which is necessary for a healthier pregnancy.

You can book your next appointment in two or three weeks if you’re in the first trimester or after a month if you’re already into your second trimester or beyond. However, expect weekly visits during the last month of pregnancy.

While chiropractic care is generally safe for pregnant women, it’s always best to consult your OB-GYN before seeking such treatment. Depending on your case and overall health, your doctor may not recommend it.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care For Pregnant Women

Prenatal chiropractic care is never in vain. There are benefits associated with chiropractic care during pregnancy, including:

It Reduces Lower Back Pain

The additional load women carry during pregnancy can cause changes in the spine that usually result in lower back pain, which worsens as the pregnancy advances and the baby grows in size. Chiropractic care can help resolve this by correcting the spine’s posture to ensure it remains in its natural curve.

It Eases Pregnancy Symptoms

Apart from lower back pain, nausea, and vomiting, commonly referred to as morning sickness, are common symptoms experienced by many pregnant women. The chiropractic practice of realigning the spine can help restore the nervous system to near-optimal function, improving hormonal balance. The improved hormonal levels are believed to reduce prenatal nausea and vomiting incidences.

It Helps Maintain A Healthier Pregnancy

As mentioned, the extra weight that comes with pregnancy changes the spine’s normal curvature. Since this is part of the nervous system, spine misalignment can lower the immune system’s effectiveness.

Chiropractic procedures on the spine can help enhance nerve communication between the brain and body. Improved nerve function then helps maintain a robust immune system, increasing the likelihood of a normal and healthy pregnancy.

It Helps Achieve Optimal Fetal Position

Chiropractic techniques such as manipulating the protruding abdomen and pelvic region help create enough room in the uterus for the baby, making it easier to settle into the head-down position. An optimal fetal position significantly lowers the need for a cesarean birth.

It Helps Shorten Labour Times

By improving the alignment between the woman’s hips and spine, chiropractic adjustments can contribute to shortened labour and an easier childbirth process. When the baby engages naturally into the birth canal, even first-time moms can enjoy reduced labouring time, a natural childbirth process, and faster postpartum recovery.

What To Expect In A Pregnancy Chiropractor Adjustment Appointment

Final Words

Pregnant women go on a journey characterized by significant physical and hormonal changes that exert great duress on their bodies. As such, regular visits to a pregnancy chiropractor can help alleviate pregnancy-related stresses and complications such as lower back pain or hip misalignment.

As a good start, you can discuss with your OB-GYN about getting prenatal chiropractic care. Moreover, work with qualified and certified chiropractors who understand the needs of pregnant women to ensure safe treatment and your overall well-being.